What the job involves
Adding or moving plug sockets is one of the most common small electrical jobs in a home. For one to three sockets, the work usually falls into one of these routes:
- Adding a socket to an existing circuit. The electrician takes a feed from an existing socket (a spur) or from the circuit cable, and runs a new cable to the new position.
- Replacing a single socket with a double. This is often the simplest option and needs no new cable run, provided the existing circuit and back box are suitable.
- Moving a socket. The old position is disconnected and made good, and a new one is wired in elsewhere. This can be a short shift along a wall or a move to a different room.
- Running a new cable from the consumer unit. This is needed if the existing circuit can't take the extra load or is too far away. It is a bigger job than it sounds.
The cable is either buried in the wall (chased in and plastered over) or run in surface trunking. A good electrician will also check the circuit before touching it, test it afterwards, and give you the right paperwork.
Electrical work in homes is covered by Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales, and Scotland has its own building standards. In general terms, adding a new circuit must be notified to building control or done by an electrician registered with a competent person scheme. Extending an existing circuit is treated differently, but it must still meet the wiring regulations (BS 7671). A registered electrician will know which applies to your job.
What affects the price
Two jobs that both say "add two sockets" can differ a lot in cost. These are the main reasons:
- Number of sockets and whether they are single or double. More points mean more cable, accessories and labour, though the second and third sockets cost less than the first because the set-up is already done.
- Where the power comes from. Spurring off a nearby socket is cheaper than running a new cable back to the consumer unit.
- Distance and route. A short run along one wall is quick. A run across a room, up through a ceiling or around a doorway takes longer and uses more cable.
- Wall and floor construction. Chasing into solid brick is slower and dustier than working in a stud wall. Fitting sockets in a thick masonry wall or a concrete floor takes more effort than a hollow partition.
- Access. Fitted carpets, laminate, floorboards under built-in units, or loft space above the room all change how long the cable takes to route. Easy access keeps the job short.
- Chased in or surface mounted. Hidden cable looks neater but adds chasing, plastering and redecorating. Surface trunking is quicker and cheaper but visible.
- Condition of the existing installation. If the consumer unit is old, lacks modern protection, or the tests show a fault, that may need sorting before new sockets can be added. This is the most common cause of a quote growing.
- Room type. Kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and outdoor sockets have extra requirements for protection and positioning.
- Type of accessory. Standard white sockets are the baseline. USB sockets, brushed metal, smart or outdoor-rated fittings cost more.
- Making good. Some electricians include filling and plastering patches. Others leave that to you or a decorator. Check which.
- Location and demand. Prices vary by region, by how busy local electricians are, and by parking and access at your property.
- Minimum charges. For very small jobs, the time on site and travel may matter more than the materials.
The prices on this page show what other homeowners paid, so you can see where your quote sits against similar work.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Decide positions before the electrician arrives. Think about furniture, TV positions, worktop use and chargers. Changing your mind once the walls are open costs time.
- Do all the electrical jobs in one visit. Extra sockets, a new light fitting or an outdoor point are cheaper together than as separate call-outs.
- Choose the simplest route. Ask whether a spur or a double replacing a single would do the job, and whether surface trunking is acceptable in a utility room, garage or similar space.
- Clear the way. Move furniture, lift carpet edges if appropriate, and make the loft or underfloor space reachable. Time spent on access is time you pay for.
- Time it with other building work. If walls are already being opened up or plastered, adding cable then is much cheaper than chasing finished walls.
- Handle the decorating yourself. If the electrician leaves neat patches, filling and painting is easy to do.
- Compare like with like. Get at least two or three quotes that cover the same scope, then compare what is included, not only the bottom line.
- Don't cut corners on the wiring. Do not do this work yourself unless you are competent and know the rules. A cheap fix that fails inspection costs more later.
What should be included in a quote
A clear quote should list:
- [ ] The exact number and type of sockets (single, double, USB) and where each goes
- [ ] Whether each is a spur, an extension of a ring or a new cable from the consumer unit
- [ ] Whether cables will be chased in or surface mounted
- [ ] Any work to the consumer unit, or a statement that none is expected
- [ ] Testing of the circuit before and after the work
- [ ] The certificate you will receive, and any notification to building control if required
- [ ] Making good: filling, plastering, and whether decoration is included
- [ ] Materials and accessories, with the finish stated
- [ ] Protection of floors and furniture, and removal of waste
- [ ] Whether VAT is included, if the electrician is VAT-registered
- [ ] How long the quote is valid, and how extra work will be agreed and priced
- [ ] The electrician's registration details and insurance
Questions to ask an electrician
- Are you registered with a competent person scheme, and will I get a certificate?
- Will you check the existing circuit and consumer unit before starting? What happens if you find a problem?
- Is this a spur, an extension of the existing circuit, or a new cable run?
- Can the new sockets be hidden in the wall, and what does that add compared with trunking?
- Who makes good and decorates afterwards?
- How much of the house will need to be switched off, and for how long?
- Do you carry insurance for this work?
- If you find extra work is needed, how will you tell me and agree the cost first?
How long it takes and what to expect
For one to three sockets, most jobs are done in part of a day to a full day. A straightforward spur in an accessible room is at the quicker end. Chasing walls, lifting floors or cabling from the consumer unit takes longer, and a bigger job could stretch over two visits if plastering is involved.
Expect the power to be off for some of the time, so plan around work-from-home needs, fridges and freezers. If walls are chased, there will be dust, so clear the area and cover furniture. The electrician will then fit the accessories, test the circuit and show you that everything works. Plaster patches need time to dry before painting. You should receive the relevant certificate once the work is done, so keep it with your house documents, because it can be asked for when you sell.
Signs a quote is too cheap or too expensive
Possibly too cheap
- No mention of testing or a certificate
- The electrician won't say whether they are registered, or can't show insurance
- A vague description with no positions, quantities or cable route
- Pressure to pay in cash or a large amount upfront
- Nothing said about making good, which then appears as an extra
- A price far below the others for the same scope, which may mean corners will be cut or the price will rise once work starts
Possibly too expensive
- Big charges for a simple spur with easy access
- Unexplained consumer unit work when you have only asked for sockets
- Heavy allowances for materials that don't match the accessories you chose
- Several small call-out or administration charges added to one short job
- A price well above comparable local jobs, with no explanation such as difficult access or extensive making good
If a quote looks out of line either way, ask for a breakdown. A good electrician will explain it without fuss. Check it against the prices on this page before you decide.